Security operatives had besieged Dakolo’s residence during the weekend “to deliver a letter inviting him and Busola, his wife, over the rape allegations” she levelled against Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of God Assembly (COZA).

The action of the police had sparked reactions, with Aisha Buhari, the first lady, asking the IGP to say no to rape.

In a statement on Monday, Frank Mba, police spokesman, said the IGP ordered a “rigorous and discreet scrutiny” into the police operation “to ascertain its conformity with Police Standard Operating Procedure and International Best Practices.”

He added that Adamu also re-assigned the investigation into the rape allegation to Michael Ogbizi, deputy inspector-general of police (DIG) in charge of the force criminal investigation department (FCID).

“The DIG is also expected to take over the investigation of the complaint made by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo against the Dakolos in addition to providing a personal supervision to all facets of the investigation to ensure justice and fair-hearing to all the parties, with each case being treated purely on its merit,” Mba said.

“While enjoining the general public and the parties involved in the cases to remain calm and patient, the IGP assures of unalloyed Police professionalism in the matter.”

Dakolo had condemned the siege which he described as “an attempt to abduct myself and my wife for telling the truth.”

He had also accused the police of attempting to intimidate him and Busola.

“All we have asked is for this matter to be duly investigated,” he had said, adding that “I have noted with increasing alarm, how my life, my wife’s life and the lives of our children have been put at risk by unscrupulous persons.”

Busola had alleged that Fatoyinbo raped her as a minor, an allegation the pastor denied.

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According to a letter dated July 18 from the special tactical squad of the inspector-general of police (IGP), the police is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, mischief and threat to life.

The couple were directed to report on July 23 for an interview.

In June, Busola, celebrity photographer, had alleged that she was raped by Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) at the age of 16.

Although Fatoyinbo denied the allegation, the pastor stepped aside for the issue to be investigated.

On Saturday evening, the ‘Great Nation’ singer raised an alarm about men carrying guns arriving at his residence.

The men, who were allegedly from the IGP’s special tactical force, were said to have arrived in a vehicle with number plate BR932KSF.

Sharing a picture of the letter of invitation on his Instagram page, the singer alleged that the officers forced their way into his house to harass his family.

“This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Falsehood, Mischief and Threat to life that your name was mentioned,” the letter read.

“You are kindly requested to interview the undersigned officer on 23/07/2019 by 1000hrs for fact-findings, through DSP. Ibrahim Agu with telephone number 08037864191.”

Dakolo also alleged that a petition submitted by his family in June has not been responded to.

Read his statement below:

“Our lawyers had told us to get ready for this letter. We have long been ready for this type of institutionalized intimidation and dirtiness,” he said.

“Investigating officials have frustrated as a result of underhand delay? Dirty bloggers are fabricating things that cover the truth, going to the IG’s people under dark to force this case to be posted to Abuja?

“Now this: a false investigation in Abuja when our own petition filed since June has not been answered and NO INVITATION HAS BEEN MADE TO THE ACCUSED IN A RAPE CASE????! NOT ONE MOVEMENT TOWARDS JUSTICE??? Rubbishing the legal and criminal system?

“And sending a busload of questionable armed “policemen” and shady men lying in wait to intimidate my wife and children today, forcing their way into my home? Is that how the REAL police deliver a letter?

This is why all the hurting women and families haven’t come out with HORRIBLE THINGS DONE TO THEM???!!

“You picked the wrong one and you picked the wrong time. Nigerians are more awake than you think.

“I will fight for my wife and my children -it’s the promise I made with my life and one I intend to keep. I will defend them from the unrelenting attack of a weak man who thinks he can use money and power to cover for all of his crimes. Like I said, we have since been ready. GIVE US THE FIRE, THEN WATCH ME WORK!”

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This followed a new video that surfaced online, where some representatives of CAN visited the Abuja branch of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) during last Sunday’s church service,

The video reportedly shows the CAN officials pledging to stand by Fatoyinbo, who has been accused of rape by Mrs Busola Dakolo, the wife of popular singer, Timi Dakolo, and another anonymous lady.

Mrs Dakolo granted an interview where she alleged that Fatoyinbo, who was her pastor, allegedly raped her in her father’s apartment when she was 17 and had sex with her on other occasions.

The news was greeted with widespread condemnation and a protest was staged in front of COZA churches in Abuja and Lagos.

These prompted Fatoyinbo to step down as the senior pastor of the church.

He later released a statement, denying the allegation and vowing to challenge his accusers in court.

The Abuja CAN Chairman, Rev. Jonah Samson and its Northcentral counterpart, Rev. Israel Akanji, addressed COZA congregation last Sunday in Abuja.

Refuting the claimed support for Fatoyinbo, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the Special Assistant (Media and Communications) to CAN President Samson Ayokunle, said that the church leaders were not there to support the alleged crime.

“What happened is this: they did not support the pastor of COZA, Biodun Fatoyinbo. The Chairman of CAN Abuja, Reverend Jonah Samson and CAN Chairman for Northcentral, Reverend Israel Akanji, who addressed the congregation, did not pledge their support; they did not endorse Fatoyinbo.

“I want you to go to COZA video and listen to it. These leaders told them that COZA is located within our jurisdiction. ‘That is why we came here to tell you that we are praying for your pastor and members of the church.’ That’s what they said. They did not say Fatoyinbo committed the crime or he did not do it. They did not say that Fatoyinbo is guilty or not. That issue did not come up.”

Also, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has set up a three-man panel to investigate the rape allegation.

A PFN source told our correspondent that the investigating team had started work and several things were being put into consideration.

The source said: “Another update is that the PFN has set up a three-man panel to investigate the allegation. Just wait and see what the panel will come up with. It will interest you what will be revealed.”

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